Chapter 25

Adam.

Adam could hardly focus on the meeting as his mind wandered to think about Ella. Their date had gone so well. He just wished it had ended as perfectly as it had started. His wolf had been restless since that night.

Adam knew he should be more concerned about the recent poisonings, but all he could think about was Ella’s lips on his. The burning desire within him that had been building up since he marked her had nearly bubbled over in that rowboat. When it was doused with freezing water, Adam was left with only one thought, and he couldn’t shake it.

“... the number of future poisonings. Wouldn’t you agree, Alpha Adam?”

Clint’s voice cut through Adam’s haze and he snapped to attention.

“Mmm, yes,” he answered, nodding his head.

Clint’s mouth thinned into a thin line as he stared at Adam with annoyance in his eyes. “You weren’t paying attention, were you?”

Adam ran his hand through his hair sheepishly as he mumbled an apology.

“What I was saying,” Clint responded, annoyed, “is that the council members are making a slow recovery, but they should be fine within a couple of weeks. We should act as quickly as possible to limit the number of future poisonings. Whoever is doing this is getting too close to home. If we’re not careful, the next victim could even be you, Alpha Adam.”

“You’re right, Clint,” Adam answered. “Whoever this is knows who they are targeting. You don’t just down council members by accident.”

“We can’t conclude the person is targeting the council. Of the ten cases, only two were council members,” another spoke up.

Yet it still felt personal.

“Regardless, I want security beefed up in town with each council member having a bodyguard. All food and drink for council members will be tested before consumption,” Adam directed.

“Don’t you think that’s a bit extreme?” Clint asked.

Adam turned to him, a steely look on his face. “You were the one saying the next could be me,” Adam answered. “I may be the Alpha, but I am not the only one in this room who matters. I will not allow any more risks while these poisonings continue.”

He scanned the room and nods greeted his gaze.

“If we are done here, there are other matters I need to attend to,” Adam stated.

“What could be more important than the safety of your pack?” Clint asked, folding his arms across his chest.

Adam really had liked Clint, but ever since Ella came back, he was like a whole other person. His disdain for her clouded his judgment.

Adam squared his shoulders, standing up to his full height, reminding Clint who was Alpha. Adam’s eyes narrowed, daring Clint to question him again. Clint hesitated for a moment before bowing his head in submission. Adam nodded curtly. As it should be. Adam marched out of the pack house, standing tall. He hoped he wouldn’t have to demonstrate why he was the Alpha with the dissension among his council members, especially Clint. He had enough on his plate.

As Adam walked away from the pack house, he pulled his phone out and dialed Ella’s father’s number. After three rings, the line opened.

“Hello?”

“Ella?” Adam asked, surprised to hear her voice on the other end.

“Yeah, I am staying with my dad, in case you forgot.”

“I’m actually trying to reach him right now,” Adam said. “Is he available?”

“What, no ‘hi’? No ‘how’s it going'?”

“Sorry. I just didn’t expect you to pick up the phone,” Adam replied, hoping Ella couldn’t tell how red his cheeks had become.

“Let me see if I can find him.”

Adam heard some shuffling on the line as Ella walked through the house, searching for her dad.

“Dad?” he faintly heard Ella call out.

More shuffling.

“Hello?” Ella’s dad’s voice called out over the line.

“Everett, it’s Adam. I need you to keep a close eye on the food and drink that you consume. I’m on my way over after I grab a friend. Then I’ll explain everything when I get there.”

“Okay, Alpha,” Everett replied.

Adam could tell by the timbre of his voice that he wanted to know more, but it would be much easier to explain in person. Plus, he wanted to personally see to it that Ella and his children were okay.

Once he hung up, he pulled up Preston’s number and hit call. Preston was his best friend and the one person he trusted over anyone else. He knew that Preston would be the only one he could trust to unbiasedly watch over Ella and the twins.

The phone rang and rang, and just as Adam thought it was going to go to voicemail, a deep voice answered. “What did you do now?” Preston asked with a laugh.

Adam smiled, rolling his eyes. “I’m calling about a serious matter today, Pres.”

Preston cleared his throat. “What can I do for you?”

“Meet me at Everett’s place in ten.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

The line went silent and Adam pocketed his phone. He continued toward Everett’s house.

Adam waited for Preston outside the house. His friend was sporting his usual attire - jeans purposely ripped at the knee, a tight t-shirt, and a worn leather jacket. He completed the look with black high-tops and aviator sunglasses.

“What’s up, boss?” Preston asked, lifting his chin in greeting as he neared.

“I need you to do me a favor. I’ll explain more inside.”

“Don’t you still owe me for the last favor?” Preston joked.

“If you’d like, I could order you as your Alpha instead,” Adam replied with a smirk.

Preston let out a hearty laugh. “Alright, alright. Let’s get inside.”

They walked up to the door together, and Adam knocked. Everett answered the door. Emme stood beside him, holding onto his leg. When she saw Adam, her face lit up, and she ran to give him a hug.

“Who is it?” Aaron called, walking over.

He caught sight of Preston standing next to Adam, who was now crouched down to hug Emme. Aaron regarded the stranger, keeping behind his grandpa.

“May we come in?” Adam asked, standing back up.

“Of course,” Everett answered, opening the door wide and stepping back.

Adam stepped through, leading Emme back inside. Preston walked in behind him, taking his sunglasses off and hooking them on the collar of his shirt. Everett shut the door behind them. “Please come in and make yourselves comfortable. I’ll go grab Ella. I’m assuming you’re here for her?”

Adam nodded. “Thank you, Everett.”

He walked over to the living room, choosing to remain standing next to the couch. Preston followed him over, but plopped himself right down, splaying his arms across the back of the couch while crossing his right foot over his left knee.

Ella soon trailed in behind her father, lifting a curious eyebrow at the sight of Adam and Preston. Adam sent her a smile before his face turned serious again.

“Aaron, Emme. Why don’t you two go play in your room for a bit while the grown-ups talk?” Ella suggested to the twins.

“Okay!” they called as they raced back to their bedroom.

“What’s this about, Adam?” Ella asked, turning back to him.

“How much do you know about the recent aconite poisonings?” Adam asked, ignoring her question.

“Just what I witnessed in town.”

“What I say next cannot leave this room, understand?”

Ella lifted an eyebrow, but nodded.

“Two council members were poisoned recently. Besides them and the two you found in town, four other victims have been identified, all dead by the time help arrived.”

Ella gasped.

“I’m having all council members guarded 24/7 to make sure we don’t lose anyone else, and I’ve sent more security into town to keep an eye out there.”

“What does any of this have to do with me?” Ella asked.

“Other than I care about you?” Adam asked sincerely.

Ella blushed and looked down.

“As my mate, you are a target to get to me. Preston here will be your personal bodyguard.”

“I will?” Preston asked, planting both feet back on the ground and leaning forward on the couch.

“He will?” Ella asked, looking back up in surprise.

“Yes. He will. And he’s to never leave your side. I don’t know what I would do if I lost you again.”

“I can take care of myself, Adam,” Ella argued. “I don’t need a babysitter.” She placed her hands on her hips.

“You just don’t want to be tempted by this hot body all day,” Preston said with a smirk and a wink, gesturing to himself.

Instead of laughing,

Ella glanced down at him. Her mouth turned into a pout and her eyebrows drew together.

“Ouch,” Preston responded to her look, placing a hand over his heart.

Adam stared right at Ella. “He will watch over you. He will make sure everything you eat and drink isn’t poisoned. And you will let him. Don’t you dare try to ditch him. This is serious, Ella.”

Ella’s eyes snapped to his in anger. “You’re ordering me around now?”

Adam didn’t understand her spite. He was just trying to keep her safe. “If I have to,” he replied. “I just want you and the kids to be safe.”

Ella softened a little, but wouldn’t give in.

“I can take care of myself. I’ll be careful where I get food and drink. You don’t need to worry about me, Adam. Plus, I’m sure Preston has better things to do than watch over me all day.”

Adam looked over to Preston for help. He couldn’t leave here without Ella being protected. He couldn’t live with himself if something happened to her.

Preston got the hint, and stood up. “Look, Ella. This is important to Adam. It’ll be like I’m not even there. I’ll stay outside your house, watching for danger, and I’ll accompany you on any outings at a distance.”

Ella’s hands slipped from her sides as she relented. “Fine. But I don’t like it.”